Write to City Council about the demolition threat at Canal and Tchoupitoulas

Thursday, May 15, 2014

The demolition of four historic buildings in the heart of downtown New Orleans to make way for a 21- story hotel goes before the City Council on Thursday, May 22. You can help by asking the City Councilmembers to insist that redevelopment at the corner of Canal and Tchoupitoulas incorporates these historically and architecturally significant buildings into the designs, and uses the adjacent surface parking lot for new construction. ​

Please write to theCity Councilmembers. Below is a sample letter to cut and paste, or edit with your message.

Thank you for helping to preserve the history and architecture of New Orleans.

Subject Line: Appeal of CBD HDLC denial of application to demolish four buildings at Tchoupitoulas and Canal Streets

Dear Councilmembers:

I am writing to ask you to deny this appeal and uphold the CBD Historic District Landmarks Commission's decision to deny the application to demolish four significant historic buildings located at 422 Canal Street and 105, 109, and 111 Tchoupitoulas Street. You should insist on redevelopment that is compatible with the context and scale of these buildings near the foot of Canal Street.

The current Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) limits the height on this site to a maximum of 85 feet with the streetwalls of buildings topping off at 70 feet. The draft CZO sets the overall height on this parcel at 70 feet. The hotel proposal driving this appeal of the HDLC decision isn't even close to these height limits--topping off at 255 feet or 21 stories. Clearly, the proposed structure is massively out of scale--and contrary to our own ordinances.

These architecturally and historically significant buildings can easily be incorporated into design plans that reflect the character of New Orleans – while using the adjacent parking lot for new construction.

I ask you to support the CBD Historic District Landmarks Commission's decision to deny demolition of these important buildings, and instead work to promote redevelopment of the corner is a way that is sensitive to New Orleans’ history, architecture--and consistent with its zoning ordinance.

Sincerely,

Recent News

The Pitot House will be closed Saturday, March 2, 2019 due to the Krewe of Endymion parade scheduled in the neighborhood. We apologize for the inconvenience! Hope everyone has a safe and happy Mardi Gras.

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The Louisiana Landmarks Society promotes historic preservation through education, advocacy, and operation of the Pitot House. The Pitot House is a site for exhibitions and educational programming that promotes LLS's preservation message.